Roman Republic, Denarius

The obverse of this denarius from the year 148 BC bears the head of Roma, the personification of the city of Rome and the Roman state; the goddess wears a winged Attic helmet. Behind her head one reads PITIO, the cognomen of the moneyer Lucius Sempronius Pitio. He was the official responsible for the issue of the denarius. Under Roma's chin is the digit X for 10, because the denarius was 'tenner,' a silver coin with a value of 10 bronze asses.

The reverse shows the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux galloping into battle in aid of the Romans, their lances ready. Beneath the hooves of their horses the are the initials L. SEMP for the praenomen and the nomen gentile of Lucius Sempronius Pitio.